H2o launch ramp (hlr)

ABSTRACT

A water launch ramp system is provided, The water launch ramp system includes a ramp and slide rails extending along the ramp. The ramp is configured to be supplied with water to allow a PWC to traverse across and jump. The water is configured to be supplied by pumps located within the water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/222,737, filed Jul. 16, 2021, which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of professionalstunt, entertainment, and motion picture industry. More specifically,embodiment of the present disclosure related to the methods andequipment utilized to provide an H₂O launch ramp (HLR).

The HLR can be easily adjusted to various configurations such as havinglonger or shorter ramps. These characteristics make the HLR a new andvery versatile tool for the professional stunt, entertainment, andmotion picture industries to achieve the next level in theirprofessions.

BACKGROUND

The professional stunt/entertainment and motion picture industries havegrown throughout the world in recent years. The need for personalwatercraft (PWC), for example boats vessels, or water bikes, to do morecomplex and launch higher into the air has created a need for the HLR.The HLR allows the vessel to accelerate through the entire length oframp by creating a deep column of water for the jet propulsion toaccelerate up the ramp, rather than decelerate on a typical ramp.

The HLR's ability to allow the PWC to accelerate up the ramp using thecolumn of water (via propulsion of the PWC) is predictable andeliminates the need for natural features while performing stunts.Without the HLR, vessels would have to get up to high rate of speed andthen slide up and off the end of a fixed ramp without water on the ramp.This traditional method limits the potential of the jump and the variousapplications in which the ramps could be used. The HLR can be used onany body of water, or any geographical location (e.g., lake, bay, ocean,large man-made water area and more). The HLR can be taken out of thewater and moved to any desired location. The HLR can also bedisassembled shipped or flown to any location and reassembled.

In one exemplary embodiment, the HLR sits on large solid dock float (8)secured with four sets of anchors/weights (14).

Anchors may be removable to provide the ability to relocate the HLR.

The HLR can be towed by another vessel into any desiredposition/location.

The HLR may be adjusted and reconfigured and assembled differently ifneeded (e.g., raising and lowering of ramp for distance and adjustingflow of water)

The HLR may contain an adjustable channel in the main body of ramp. Thechannel may be changed to have larger diameter, longer length, orshorter length.

The HLR described herein is a new and very versatile tool for theprofessional stunt/entertainment and motion picture industries toachieve the next level in their professions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary HLR.

FIG. 2 is a close-up cutout view of the interior of the ramp of the HLRshown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a close-up cutout view of the exterior of the ramp of the HLRshown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a close-up of the vertical and angled support poles of the HLRshown in FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the elbow and T fitting of the HLR shown inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the attachment plates of the HLR shown inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the support brace of the HLR shown in FIG.1 .

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the ramp of the HLR shown in FIG. 1 .

DESCRIPTION

The present application discloses a water launch system for watervehicles, said water launch system comprising, a floating dock, a rampsupported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to thefloating dock, a plurality of slide tubes extending along the ramp. Saidramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length oframp, a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supplycorresponding water ports with water. Said slide tubes configured toguide the water vehicle up the ramp via the water supplied by theplurality of hoses.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application discloses a rampsystem comprising, a ramp, wherein said ramp is configured to rest on aplurality of support braces. Each brace of the plurality of supportbraces is fastened onto a pair of vertical support poles. Each supportpole are attached to a floating dock. Said floating dock includes dockcleats. A plurality of pumps attached to corresponding dock cleats; andat least one or more weighted anchors attached to said dock cleats.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application discloses Awater launch system for water vehicles, said water launch systemcomprising a floating dock, a ramp supported by the floating dock andinclined at an angle relative to the floating dock. Said ramp includinga plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp. Aplurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supplycorresponding water ports with water. A plurality of pumps configured tosupply water to the plurality of hoses, and a power supply configured tosupply power to the plurality of pumps.

The HLR consists of many different components that are unique to theinvention. The construction of the HLR with be further explained withdetailed illustrations. This will include the main purpose for HLR andits versatility. As shown in FIG. 1 the foundation of the HLR is twosolid dock floats (8). The top of dock float (8) is a solid woodplatform (30). In one embodiment the top dock float (8) may be 2-feetthick, with 8-feet height and 10-feet width. The HLR further includessupport plates (18) which is connected to the top of the platform (30).Support plates (18) may be fastened to the top platform (30) with fourlag bolts (25). The HLR may include eight support plates (18) althoughdifferent number of support plates may be utilized depending on therequirements of the intended purpose of the HLR. In one embodiment, thesupport plates may be comprised of aluminum.

The following are exemplary steps to assembling the HLR. The HLRincludes various size vertical support poles (4). Vertical Support poles(4) are attached to the support plate (18). In one embodiment thesupport poles (4) may be welded at the weld point (23) at the base ofthe support poles. The vertical support pole heights may vary on theplacement or the height required for the ramp. The number of verticalsupport poles may also vary depending spacing constraints.

The aluminum support brace (17), after precise measurements, may also bewelded at weld points (23) at the tops of all support poles (4). Thesupport brace (17) may be made of aluminum and approximately 1/8-inchthick.

After the aluminum support braces (17) are all welded (23) and in place.Then the lower portion the body of the ramp (16) (e.g., cylinder, chute,half dome, tube) into the correct position. When the main body of theramp (16) is in the correct position and lowered onto the support braces(17). The support braces (17) is configured to cradle the main body oframp (16). The ramp 16 is then fastened to the aluminum support brace(17) with aluminum flat head through bolts (20) and locknuts (27).

Once all through bolts (20) and locknuts (27) are securely fastened toall support braces (17), on both sides, then the angled support poles(5) are welded to the support braces (17) at weld points (23) in anangle ‘α’ from six of the vertical support poles (4) to a med centerpoint on of the three aluminum support brace (17) at weld point (23).This will also be done on both sides of the ramp 16. The angle ‘α’ inone embodiment may be 45°. The smallest support poles (4) at the rampentrance (28) will not require an angled support pole. The center of thebody of the ramp 16 will be supported by the end of the dock float 8near the ramp entrance (28). As shown in FIG. 8 , the ramp may include alength ‘F’ and width ‘G’.

The braces (17) support poles (4) & vertical support plates (18) may besecured and fastened in place. The next step is to put the spacer plates(26), in place on main body of the ramp (16). Next is to put down theslide tubes (12). in an exemplary embodiment, a 2 inch PVC sch 40plastic tubing may be used. Other embodiments, the slide tubes may besolid plastic strips/plates, solid strips/plates of Corian®. The slidetubes may be adjusted to different sizes (e.g. smaller or larger Aidetubes) and the spacing of the slide tubes may also be adjusted toprovide a narrower or deeper channel. In one embodiment, the spacerplates (26) create 2 inches between launch ramp (16) and slide tubes(12) allowing water to flow onto the ramp (16) and under the slide tubes(12) to the main center of the ramp (16).

Slide tubes (12) are moved into place over their perspective spacerplate (26), The slide tube (12), has been pre-measured for bolt holes(21) and were pre-cut prior to lifting into position on body of ramp(16). When slide tube (12) is lined up over spacer plate (26) andaluminum support brace (17) a ½″ bolt hole (21) is drilled through slideplate/tube (12), spacer plate (26), main body of ramp (16) and throughaluminum support brace (17). After the half inch bolt holes (21) aredrilled, the flat head through bolt (20) may be installed through allfour pieces (12), (26), (16), (17). A half inch nut (27) may be utilizedto securely fasten the bolt (20). This process is repeated for allfastening points (20) on the slide tubes (12). The slide tubes (12) maybe aligned parallel to the ramp (16)

The slide tubes (12) are extended down into the water past the rampentrance (28) so a PWC coming at the ramp entrance (28) allows the PWCto be guided into position before starting up the H₂O launch ramp.

The slide tubes (12) are also extended past the launch ramp exit (29).The HLR can be shortened, lengthened, or removed. Glue at glue points(31) of the attachment plates (3) and 90° elbows (2) into position. Asshown in FIG. 5 the elbows (2) may be PVC sch 40. Glue points (31) mayutilize PVC pipe cement. The elbow (2) may include a diameter ‘A’, whichmay be, in one embodiment, 2 inches. The attachment plates (3) may bemade of lightweight plastic. As shown in FIG. 6 , the attachment plates(3) may have a diameter ‘B’, which may be, in one embodiment, 6 inches,The attachment plate may also have a thickness ‘C’, which may be, in oneembodiment, ¼-inch. As shown in FIG. 7 , the support brace may have alength ‘E’ and width ‘D’. In one embodiment length ‘E’ may be 20-feet,In one embodiment, the width may be 6-feet. The support brace mayinclude holes (6) for fasteners.

All H₂O port holes 24 are pre-cut and all attachment plates (3) arepre-measured and pre-installed plates. Each attachment plates (3) onmain body of ramp (16) uses four through bolts (20) and for nuts (27) intheir proper position on exterior of ramp body (16), prior to liftingramp into position.

The elbows (2), are glued at the glue points (31) to each attachmentplate (3) in the correct position/angle to best serve the pump hoses(10). Once all the elbows 2 are glued (F5) in place, the hose (10) issecurely attached with 2-inch hose clamp (1) to its perspective elbows(2). The hose 10 may be a 2-inch diameter flex line hose. Each hose (10)may be various lengths as required by the configuration needed.

The hose (10) will come down and attach to one side of a T fitting (19).Two hoses (10) will connect to both sides of a T fitting (19) with hoseclamps (1). The T fitting may be a 2-inch PVC sch 40 T pipe.

The bottom of the T fitting (19), in an embodiment, will be connected toa short hose (10), with hose clamp (1). This short hose (10) may be an18-inch piece of flex line. The bottom of the short piece of hose (10)will be connected to a sump pump (15) with hose clamp (1). The (10) willbe pre-measured prior to attaching to elbows (2) and t fitting (19).Hoses (10) may utilize different diameters as required by the flow rateor the pressure. All water pumps (15) will be at least 4 feet deep inthe water below the dock floats (8). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ,each pump (15) may supply two elbows (2) with water. Two pumps areomitted from FIG. 1 to provide clarity. Other arrangements of the pumpsmay be considered, such as having a pump supplying only one elbow ormore than two elbows.

If it is necessary to cut, shorten, or lengthen any hose line (10) willbe done prior to lowering pumps 15 into water.

The water pumps (15) is secured to the dock cleat (11) with a utilityline (13) to keep water pump (15) in position and not to stress the flexhose lines (10). In one embodiment, the utility line may be a half inchdiameter utility line. In one embodiment, the dock cleats may be 10-inchwide with a 1.5-inch diameter.

The power cord (22) will run up & out of the water onto the dock floats(8) and plug into gas generator (9). In one embodiment, the power cord(22) may be a 20-foot power cord. The gas generator, in one embodiment,may be a 20 kW gas generator.

All T fittings (19), hoses (10), water pumps (15) and hose clamps (1)are set up identically. Some differences will be length of hoses (10),utility line (13), angles. Different diameters may be utilized dependingon different requirements. The direction of the power cord (22), comesup onto the dock float (8), and runs to the generator (9).

The portable gas generator (9), may be configured to be fastened downnear the center of the dock floats (8), directly under the center of themain body of the ramp (16). The portable gas generator (9) is configuredto power the pumps (15) Having the generator (9) in this centrallocation, makes accessibility for all pump power cords (22), to easilyreach the generator (9),

When all power cords (22) are plugged into the generator (9), the pumps(15) are in the water and the HLR is in its desired position andanchored/weighted via weights (14) the HLR will be ready to operate. Inembodiment, the weights (14) may be 100 lbs. Different weights may beutilized depending on factors such as the total system weight, buoyancyand water conditions. In one embodiment, the pumps (15) are ¾ horsepoweron demand pumps. In one embodiment, these pumps are capable of pumpingeighty gallons per minute thirty vertical feet. The pumps (15) can besubstituted with various pumps (e.g., larger pumps, smaller pumps,different pumps o get the desired water pressure needed).

All elbows (2), t fitting (19) and flex hoses (10) can be varied indiameter for different pressures or flow rates. For one embodiment, theelbows (2), t fittings (19), and flex hoses may be 2-inch diameter.

All the pumps (15) are checked before lowering into water to make surethey are securely fastened with hose clamps (1) to all hoses (10), Tfittings (19), and elbows (2), After lowering all pumps (15) into thewater the power cords (22) are plugged in to generator (9), generator(9) is started. All pumps disperse large amounts of water onto the mainbody of the ramp (16) and all the water flows to the center of the ramp(16) between the slide tubes (12). Turning on the gas generator (9) willpower up all the pumps (15). The pumps will be pumping a steady flow ofwater up the hoses (10) through the elbows (2) and out through the exitports (24) onto the ramp (16) and channels water to the center of theramp (16) & center of guide strips (12). Now there is a steady flow oflarge amounts of water coming directly down the center of the launchramp (16). HLR is now ready for a PWC to launch up and off the ramp.

Because all the water is focused on the center of the ramp (16) betweenthe slide tubes (12) boats, PWC, and vessels will be able to grab thatwater and create forward momentum propelling them up and off the end oframp (16). The vessels can land on various landing platforms, such as:ramps; large inflatable air pontoons; other bodies of water

The use and purpose of the HLR, as mentioned in the background, is forthe use of the motion picture industry, stunt professionals, andentertainment field. When these professionals are using the HLR, it willbe towed via boat into its desired position, (this will normally be in alarge body of water). It can also be used on man-made bodies of waterand in smaller more confined locations. When the HLR is in position theanchors (14) will be set using anchor ropes (13) tightened securely tocleats (11).

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

It is important to note that the HLR as shown in the various exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement ofthe various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising: a floating dock; a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock; a plurality of slide tubes extending along the ramp; said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp; a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water; and said slide tubes configured to guide the water vehicle up the ramp via the water supplied by the plurality of hoses.
 2. The water launch system of claim 1, further comprising dock cleats located on the floating dock, wherein the floating dock is anchored via weights attached to said dock cleats.
 3. The water launch system of claim 2, further a plurality of pumps configured to supply the water to the plurality of hoses, wherein each pump is attached to a corresponding dock cleat.
 4. The water launch system of claim 3, wherein each pump of the plurality of pumps are configured to supply a set of two water ports with the water.
 5. The water launch system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support braces disposed along the length of the ramp, wherein each ramp extends across the width of the ramp.
 6. The water launch system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of vertical support poles extending from the floating dock and extending to the support brace.
 7. The water launch system of claim 6, further comprising an angled support pole extending from each corresponding vertical support pole and extending to the support brace.
 8. A ramp system comprising: a ramp, wherein said ramp is configured to rest on a plurality of support braces; wherein each brace of the plurality of support braces is fastened onto a pair of vertical support poles; said each support pole are attached to a floating dock; wherein said floating dock includes dock cleats; a plurality of pumps attached to corresponding dock cleats; and at least one or more weighted anchors attached to said dock cleats.
 9. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of hoses, configured to supply water from the pump to the ramp.
 10. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising an angled support pole extending from each corresponding vertical support pole and extending to the support brace.
 11. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising slide tubes extending along the length of the ramp.
 12. The ramp system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of spacers located between the slide tubes and the ramp, wherein the slide tubes are fastened onto at least one spacer of the plurality of spacers, the ramp, and at least one support brace of the plurality of support braces via a fastener.
 13. The ramp system of claim 11, wherein the slide tubes extend past an entrance and an exit of the ramp.
 14. The ramp system of claim 8, wherein the ramp is configured to rest directly on at one end of the floating dock.
 15. A water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising: a floating dock; a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock; said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp; a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water; a plurality of pumps configured to supply water to the plurality of hoses; and a power supply configured to supply power to the plurality of pumps.
 16. The water launch system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of pumps are located below the floating dock, and are configured to be attached to dock cleats disposed on the floating dock.
 17. The water launch system of claim 16, further comprising anchored weights attached to the dock cleats
 18. The water launch system of claim 15, further comprising an attachment plate adjacent to each water port, wherein each attachment plate is connected to an elbow pipe fitting, and each elbow pipe fitting is attached to a corresponding hose.
 19. The water launch system of claim 18, wherein the attachment plate is fastened via one or more bolts secured by a nut.
 20. The water launch system of claim 15, wherein the power supply is configured to be placed on top of the floating dock. 